healthy chickens aren't laying

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jessemeelah

jessemeelah

Hatching
5 Years
Jul 23, 2014
5
0
7
Hello, we have had 5 hens for about 4 months. All 5 hens had been layong regularly, we were getting about 4 eggs per day. About 3 weeks ago all 5 hens stopped laying. ftAbout 1 week after they stopped laying we made a few interior changes to the coop,We took out a ladder that was preventing us from cleaning well. We cleaned the coop very well in case of an infestation, roofed in the entire rune which is about 200sq/ft and layer down pine shavings in the run and coop. All the chickens have a dust bath, some use the one we have in the run some use an empty flower bed in the yard. All chickens get plenty of feed and clean water. We aren't sure what to do at this point? We are more concerned about the chickens health than anything else. Any ideas?
 
Is it possible that they are molting? Many will stop laying while they go thru a molt. What is their nest like? Is it possible they are laying somewhere and you are just not seeing the eggs? Are their wattles and comb still bright red or are they more a pink tone?
 
No they are not molting and I have been checking all the spots they like to hang out and found no eggs. I think they are red, what would it mean if they weren't?
 
The color of the combs just gives some insight if they are laying or soon to be laying (red)

If they are red, it would indicate that they may be laying somewhere and hiding the eggs. Is it possible one of them is eating the eggs? Is there any signs of egg shells hidden in the bottom of the nestbox?

If they were pale, it could indicate illness, parasites (mites/lice), etc or something as simple as molting.
 
No There is no evidence any of them are eating the eggs. And the red parts are all red. No noticeable changes in the way they act or interact.
 
Pale colored does NOT mean they are ill. Just one more clue in a list of things to check for when trying to determine if they are laying or close to laying.

A couple things I would check:
I always watch their poop for signs of watery, off color, etc.
You said you put a roof over the run-Is it possible they arent getting less sunlight?
Temperature_If its hot out that will decrease laying
Do they appear normal? Are feathers fluffed out, less energy?
Have you checked them closely for mites/lice? Especially around the vent area? This is best to check for at night
 

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